Live More Now: The Gear

Disclaimer: I received three Buff products to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

This post is part 2 of 3 in my Live More Now series. Read my previous post on Goals & Motivation

Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Hat

Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Hat

Anyone who has delved into the world of outdoor gear and clothing knows that merino wool is king. It’s lightweight, comfortable, versatile, and great year round due to being both breathable and quick drying. So it’s no wonder that the Buff Lightweight Merino Wool Hat is the perfect toque for outdoor exploring.

I love this toque because it is so easy to throw in a pack or a pocket. It’s so light and takes up so little space that you won’t even notice it. It’s great for running or hiking and you can even layer it under other toques or hats if it’s particularly cold.

Buff Adalwolf Hat

Buff Adalwolf Hat

Did you know that Buff makes lifestyle gear too? The Buff Adalwolf Hat is great for everyday wear with super trendy with it’s faux-fur pompom and retro knit look.

This toque was supposed to be for me but it looks way cuter on my baby. Yes, somehow it fits us both!? It’s a little snug on me but my head is a bit on the larger side. It’s so stretchy that it’ll basically fit my baby from now until she is an adult which is mind blowing. It’s so convenient having a one size literally fits all toque. Plus the pompom is so freakin’ adorable.

Buff Dog Reflective Neckwear

Buff Dog Reflective Neckwear

Our dog has been so good about this new little baby we brought home. She also has been helping us get outside so I thought she deserved a little something too! I couldn’t resist getting her the Buff Dog Reflective Neckwear which has a dog-themed pattern and a couple reflective strips on it. It’s adorable. She looks like a dog with a job when she wears it – so important!

Live More Now: Goals & Motivation

Disclaimer: I received three Buff products to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

This post is part 1 of 3 in my Live More Now series.  

After giving birth to my first child, I purposely did not set any lofty fitness expectations for myself. I was out of shape from pregnancy and a few months of bed rest/reduced activity and was recovering from a c-section. I certainly wasn’t about to sign up for an ultra.

And guess what? This fun pregnancy business didn’t end when my baby was born and I didn’t get my body back away. Because there was this adorable little creature sucking all the nutrition out of me

Don’t get me wrong, I love nursing my child and all the benefits associated with it. However, breastfeeding (for me anyway) means that my body is full of hormones, I’m burning more calories, and I dehydrate way more easily.

For the first while, I woke up every morning feeling like I had arthritis in my hands. It wasn’t excruciating but enough that it would sometimes wake me up and prevent me from falling back asleep. I also had trouble with my shoulder when doing things like taking off a sports bra over my head. And worst of all, my knees and hips were more tender and susceptible to injury. Eventually these things subsided and despite continuing to nurse, I’m now getting to a place where my body is finally starting to feel more “normal” again.

An opportunity came up in April through BibRave to test out a few Buff products while tackling some goals. By this time the days were getting longer and I was excited to spend more time outside with my maternity leave buddies, my baby and my dog. I’m not solely motivated by the prospect of new gear but it definitely helps!

So I expressed my interest in participating but told them that I didn’t have any lofty plans. I just wanted to get out for more walks, hopefully hit the trails, and maybe even a get in tail-end-of-the-season easy front country snowshoe.

Full-blown summer came swiftly and by the time I received the products so the snowshoe was out (although I did see some snow). However, I have managed to get moving and achieve some even better goals.

Up next: I’ll tell you about the three Buff products that I received.

Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Wireless Headphones

Disclaimer: I received Aftershokz Trekz Titanium headphones to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

I’ve tried a few pairs of bluetooth headphones for running over the years but the Aftershokz Trekz Titanium ($129.95 CAD) are my new favourites. And they couldn’t have come at a better time.

Unlike most headphones, the Aftershokz Trekz Titanium use bone conduction technology which sits over your ear lobe instead if in your ear. This means you can still hear what’s going on around you, which is HUGE for safety. I even feel comfortable running with a stroller along busy streets while listening to music or audiobooks. You can’t exactly carry on a conversation with someone but you can easily hear important sounds like sirens, cars honking, or yelling.

The trade off is that sound quality isn’t mind blowing, and seems to vary depending on how the sit on your ears. But it’s more than adequate for listening to some tunes on the run. The Aftershokz Trekz Titanium also contain dual noise canceling microphones for handsfree calling. At the press of a button, you can utilize voice commands to dial a number or, if you have an iPhone like me, you can ask Siri to check your messages, the weather, etc.

The headphones themselves are super lightweight and flexible. It took a short time to get used to the fit and feel of the open ear design but now are comfortable. They are designed to repel sweat, dust, and moisture, which is a must for our rainy Vancouver climate.

I, of course, chose the slate grey colour because I’m super boring like that. But they also come in pink, ocean blue, and “ivy” green (looks like more of a lime green to me) if you are feeling colourful.

Once unboxed, I had the Aftershokz Trekz Titanium set up and synced with my phone in minutes. The instructions are simple and the controls are easy to use. There are just three buttons: volume up/power, volume down, and a multifunction button. I haven’t performed a test yet but the specifications state 6 hours hours of continuous play / 10 days of standby time per charge. They charge in 1.5 hours using a micro USB cable (provided).

Win a pair of Aftershokz Trekz Titanium!

In celebration of Canada Day, Aftershokz is giving one lucky Canadian some of their favourite products in (you guessed it!) RED. Enter now at canadaday.aftershokz.ca!

Giveaway ends 6/29 at 11:59PM ET. Must be eighteen years or older and be a resident of Canada to enter.

Prizes:

  • AfterShokz Trekz Titanium headphones in red (1)
  • AfterShokz Sport Belt in red (1)
  • AfterShokz Water Bottle in red (1)
  • AfterShokz Towel (1)
  • AfterShokz hat (1)